After suffering a crushing defeat in the Champions League against Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain swiftly recovered and emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Rennes in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Following their crushing defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain swiftly recovered and emerged victorious with a 3-1 triumph over Rennes in Ligue 1 on Sunday. In another match that unfolded earlier, Montpellier versus Clermont was abruptly halted after an unidentified individual recklessly launched a firecracker towards visiting goalkeeper Mory Diaw. The resounding 4-1 loss suffered by PSG against Newcastle had raised serious concerns about their potential success in European competitions this season; however, they effectively dispelled any doubts with an impressive performance against Rennes – a team they frequently struggle against at their home ground. This well-deserved victory propelled PSG to third place in the league standings, trailing leaders Monaco by merely two points.
According to coach Luis Enrique, winning always brings us joy, but even after the defeat at Newcastle, I found happiness.
Discontinuing his trial of fielding four forwards, he watched as the returning midfielder Vitinha brilliantly opened the scoring with a perfectly executed arcing strike into the top corner, courtesy of an Ousmane Dembele pass right after 30 minutes had passed.
Four minutes later, Achraf Hakimi found the back of the net after Warren Zaire-Emery’s unmarked cross in the box, making it 2-0.
In the 56th minute, Amine Gouiri scored with a close-range header to bring Rennes back into the game. However, just two minutes later, PSG extended their lead when Randal Kolo Muani converted Hakimi’s low cross at the near post. Interestingly, Muani had been left out of the starting line-up.
Kolo Muani’s goal was once again denied due to an offside call, while Kylian Mbappe, despite a remarkable sprint that outmaneuvered the goalkeeper, disappointingly missed the target in the closing moments.
Despite Kolo Muani’s efforts, his goal was disallowed due to an offside infringement, and Kylian Mbappe’s impressive run past the goalkeeper ended in frustration as he inexplicably shot over the crossbar.
When Kylian fails to score, it adds a slightly peculiar element, but it is of minor importance.
Montpellier will be subject to disciplinary action.
During the final moments of the match in Montpellier, a firecracker suddenly landed near Clermont goalkeeper Diaw, causing a loud explosion that was captured on television.
Diaw, clearly in a state of shock, collapsed and required medical attention before being carried off on a stretcher. Consequently, the game was paused and ultimately called off after a crisis meeting.
Referee Florent Batta informed the media at the Stade de la Mosson that the doctor who assessed the Clermont goalkeeper confirmed his inability to continue playing, resulting in the definitive suspension of the match.
Montpellier seemed to be cruising towards their inaugural home triumph of the season with a 4-2 advantage. Unfortunately, an unexpected incident occurred, leaving them exposed to potentially severe penalties. As a minimum consequence, they might have to replay the match in an empty stadium without their loyal fans.
According to an official statement given to AFP, the individual believed to be responsible has been apprehended by the authorities.
After the game, Diaw and his teammates were allowed to go back to Clermont, and the club announced that he would be undergoing further examinations on Monday.
Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin expressed his disgust, disappointment, and sadness, emphasizing that the actions of a single person could have negative consequences for the entire team.
Lyon continues to struggle for a win
Under the guidance of new coach Gennaro Gattuso, Marseille celebrated their debut victory by defeating Le Havre 3-0. The triumph came about thanks to an unfortunate own goal and impressive goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ismaila Sarr.
Rassoul Ndiaye was shown a second yellow card, resulting in Le Havre playing with only 10 men for the remainder of the first half.
Following their victory over Arsenal in the midweek Champions League match, Lens managed to secure a 1-1 draw at home against Lille in the highly anticipated northern derby, despite initially falling behind.
Benjamin Andre’s goal put Lille in front, only for Lens to level the score through Deiver Machado, extending their impressive run of five undefeated matches.
Lyon, who are facing difficulties, have yet to secure a victory this season despite losing a two-goal advantage and settling for a 3-3 draw against Lorient.
Eli Junior Kroupi granted Lorient the upper hand, nevertheless, Ernest Nuamah quickly restored equilibrium in the 21st minute and Alexandre Lacazette promptly propelled Lyon into a commanding position only a minute later.
Lyon secured a 3-1 advantage before the break thanks to Lacazette’s successful penalty. Nevertheless, Lorient staged an impressive comeback in the second half with Kroupi adding another goal and Darlin Yongwa leveling the score.
Monaco currently lead Nice by one point in the standings after securing a 3-1 win against Reims on Saturday. Meanwhile, their fellow Cote d’Azur residents maintained their unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory over Metz.
Brest, like PSG, are narrowly trailing the top spot by only two points following a 1-1 draw against Toulouse.